The local government of Marikina City officially ushered in the holiday season Monday night, illuminating its giant Christmas tree at the Plaza De Los Alcaldes at Marikina City Hall, coinciding with the city’s 29th Cityhood Anniversary.

Mayor Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro and Marikina First District Representative Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro led the celebration, which featured the tree-lighting ceremony and an elaborate fireworks display.

The event marked the start of the city’s holiday observance, dubbed Paskong Marikina, Paskong Pag-Asa (Marikina Christmas, Christmas of Hope).

Mayor Teodoro reflected on the milestone, noting the city’s resilience.

“It’s our 29th cityhood anniversary here in Marikina. We really gave our lives for our city,” Teodoro said. “That’s why our performances focused more on the historical account of how Marikina became a city, the struggles, the trials that the city went through, until now, we are slowly waking up to the triumph of our city.”

The mayor also spoke about reviving the festive spirit after a long absence of the large-scale tree-lighting ceremony.

“We thought that we should revive the joy of Christmas. I know that we are going through a lot, personal or in the community, but we shouldn’t lose hope,” she said.

The evening featured the cultural performance, “Ang Liwanag ng Marikina” (The Light of Marikina), tracing the city’s history from its livelihood sourced from the Marikina River to its development into the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, pioneered by Don Laureano “Kapitan Moy” Guevara.

The performance also touched upon the Spanish colonization and the history of the vast hacienda owned by the Tuazon family, whose last heiress was Doña Tereza Dela Paz Tuazon.

The celebration recognized the struggles faced by Marikeños, including navigating the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mayor Teodoro urged residents to keep moving forward, emphasizing the city’s commitment to the “Alagang Marikina” program, which ensures that all citizens are cared for and “nobody will be left behind.”